Cabin : Club Location : Northern Ireland Posts : 161 Join date : 2014-07-22
Subject: Newbie Ruby Mon Aug 25, 2014 1:44 pm
Hi Guys. We picked up 'Ruby' our 2008 VW Danbury on July 11th 2014. After searching all the usual places (Preloved, Ebay, Danbury, Autotrader etc) we decided to go with Ian at VW Kampers.
We are not located in the best place to 'go buy a van' (Northern Ireland is at best a flight away lol). So Our epic adventure began with the early morning flight to Gatwick followed by a train journey to Hassocks where Ian had arranged for us to be picked up.
By lunchtime we were broke after spending the Kids Inheritance, and aghast at what we had just done. Anyway, after a 'get to know the bus' trip from Shoreham down to Southampton we finally stopped over near Romsey on the edge of the New Forest.
A restful night in a friendly landlords private car park, after a meal and a couple of drinks to sooth away the anxiety attacks. We were actually feeling better (and calmer) about our decision. I should also probably mention the many many friendly smiles, waves and tooting of horns that greeted us along the way. My love affair with the VW Camper had been rekindled (after nearly 40 years).
All we had to do now is choose a route home!! My god! the price of a ferry trip home (peak season -short notice). Well we ruled out any port in Eire and finally decided that the adventure must go on! So Stranraer it was to be via Cheltenham (overnight), Windemere, Ambleside and Keswick (overnight) in the Lake District. Finally, late evening on day 4 we parked up for the night at Stranraer to await our early morning boat from Cairnryan to Belfast. Our adventure was finally completed on 15th July 2014 and will be remembered for a very long time.
Ruby has been part of our family for 6 weeks now and in that time we have been away most weekends (fair weather and foul). North Antrim Coast (Giants Causeway, Ballintoy, Portrush), Belcoo on the Western Border with Eire, and most recently to the North Coast of Donegal (Inishowen). We will provide her with lots of TLC and hope that she is with us for many a year.
TimV Admin
Cabin : Flight 001 Location : Brighton, East Sussex U.K. Posts : 14335 Join date : 2009-09-27
Subject: Re: Newbie Ruby Mon Aug 25, 2014 2:50 pm
That's a lovely introduction to read, thank you for sharing it with us. Welcome to you, your family and Ruby. The adventure has only just begun!
________________________________________________________________________________ Max SportsKombi - The Bay Racer @brazilianvwbay
Hi & Welcome to the Forum Tony880 FAB introduction - thanks for sharing Doo you have any pics of your trips so far? Scooby doo like looking at pics Roo b Roo PS Doo check out the Meet Ups and Events section. The following two club events are close (but perhaps to close for you to make arrangements): Daz Dub Doo - in Fairbourne, Wales - starting 5th Sept. Brazi Halloween Bash - Banbury, Oxfordshire - starting 31st Oct. However, doo try to make the Kombi Sleeover if you can - it's our own show - Banbury, Oxfordshire - 29th May.
________________________________________________________________________________ Proud winners of Spike's Trophy 2017
Scooby - Born To Run
dazdub
Cabin : Exec 012 Location : wales Posts : 3116 Join date : 2009-10-16
Subject: Re: Newbie Ruby Mon Aug 25, 2014 4:35 pm
Hi & welcome
irishman
Cabin : Exec 003 Location : Hove, East Sussex Posts : 1089 Join date : 2010-04-11
Subject: Re: Newbie Ruby Mon Aug 25, 2014 4:41 pm
What a fantastic way to get to know your new bus, great journey. Many happy happy travels.
